The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Channel Islands National Park
Explore the “Galápagos of North America”
Often called the “Galápagos of North America,” the remote Channel Islands National Park in California is a hidden gem known for its untouched beauty, rare wildlife, and dramatic coastal landscapes. There are five islands within the national park - Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, Santa Rosa and San Miguel.
Each island rises from the depths of the Pacific toward always-blue skies, with rugged cliffs carved by the wind and salt, surrounded by the bright turquoise sea.
You can explore sea caves, hike atop sheer cliffs, or simply take in the stunning panoramic coastal views.
This comprehensive guide takes you through everything you need to know including which island to visit, how to get there, what to pack, and what to do as well as insider tips for visiting.
While I’ve personally only explored Santa Cruz Island, each of the Channel Islands offers a similar experience and this guide will walk you through the basics for all of them.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Where is Channel Islands National Park?
Channel Islands National Park is located in Southern California, just off the coast of Ventura County. The park includes of five islands that are approximately 11 to 70 miles offshore, depending on which one you visit. Anacapa Island is the closest located about 11 miles of the mainland coats, while Santa Rosa Island and San Miguel Island are much farther west and extremely remote.
All five islands are only accessible by boat or small plane so even thought they’re just a short ferry ride away, you’ll feel worlds away. They are all also dramtically different from coastal California.
How to Get to the Channel Islands
Getting to Channel Islands National Park is part of the adventure. There are no bridges or roads to the islands. Instead, visitors have to catch a ferry ride with Island Packers out of Ventura or Oxnard harbors. Island Packers is the only official ferry partner for the National Park. You can also reach the islands by private boat or a small charter plane depending on weather and landing conditions.
Most visitors access Channel Islands National Park Ventura Harbor. If you're planning to stay in the area, here’s my full one wek Santa Barbara itinerary with where to stay, eat, and what else to do while you're there.
Getting to Santa Cruz Island
Located about 20 miles offshore from Ventura Harbor, Santa Cruz has two primary landing sites - Scorpion Anchorage within the National Park and Prisoners Harbor on the eastern side.
The easiest route is from Ventura Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage. Once underway, the Channel crossing takes about one hour. Be sure to book ferry tickets in advance as spots are limited and often sell out as this is the largest and most popular island to visit.
Getting to the Other Islands
Anacapa Island
Like Santa Cruz, ferries run year-round from Ventura Harbor and Channel Islands Harbor (Oxnard), but the ride is slightly shorter lasting a little under an hour.
Santa Barbara Island
Ferries to Santa Barbara Island are still paused due to dock damage making it inaccessble at this time.
Santa Rosa Island
Ferries are seasonal, usually running from Ventura between March and November. The crossing is longer taking approximately 2-1/2 to 3 hours.
San Miguel Island
Ferries to San Miguel are also seasonal and weather-dependent. This crossing takes the longest of any of the islands, approximately 3-1/2 to 4 hours, and the ride is very rough through choppy water due to the island’s remote location. Be sure to pack dramamine.
Best Time to Visit Channel Islands National Park
The best time to visit Channel Islands National Park is spring and summer when the weather is warm and seas are calmer. It’s also when wildlife is more active. Because the islands are located so far off the coast, conditions can be unpredictable and vary significantly throughout the year. Wind, fog, and ocean swells all play a big role in temperatures so be sure to check current conditions before visiting.
Spring (Mar. to May)
Highs: 60–65°/Lows: 48–52°F.
Spring is incredibly beautiful. This is when the golden hillsides come to life with wildflowers, temperatures are mild, and hiking trails are crowd-free.
Summer (June to Aug.)
Highs: 65–72°F/Lows: 52–58°F.
Summers are warm with calmer waters making it the best time to kayak, snorkel, and camp although June can be very foggy.
Fall
(Sept. to Nov.)
Highs: 65–70°F/Lows: 50–55°F.
Fall is a great time to visit with clear skies, moderate air temperatures, the warmest water temperatures, and dwindling summer crowds.
Winter (Dec. to Feb.)
Highs: 58–63°F/ Lows: 45–50°F.
Winters are quiet and a great time for whale watching. However, visitors should be prepared for cold wind and quickly changing conditions. Storms and rough seas occasionally impact boat schedules.
Photo: iStock Andrew Peacock
Which Channel Island Should You Visit
Channel Islands National Park is comprised of 5 islands each of which require a boat (or small plane) ride to get to. Which island you should choose to visit depends on what you’re hoping to get out of your trip and it’s not logistically possible to see more than one in a single day. Here’s a general breakdown to help you decide.
Insider Tip: If you’re hoping to hike on your own, choose Anacapa, Santa Cruz, or Santa Rosa. San Miguel cannot be explored alone and Santa Barbara is currently inaccessible due to storm damage to its dock.
Anacapa Island
Located just 11 miles from Ventura Harbor, Anacapa Island is the easiest and most popular for a short day trip. It’s known for the historic 1932 lighthouse perched on the cliffs, sweeping ocean views, rugged coastal trails, and the iconic Arch Rock.
Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island is the largest and most popular of the Channel Islands and the best one to visit if you’re new to the islands. It’s known for incredible hiking along rugged coastal cliffs with sweeping views, sea caves (over 100), and the best kayaking.
Santa Barbara Island
Santa Barbara Island is known for its steep cliffs and important seabird nesting colonies. However, the island ferry service has been temporarily suspended due to storm damage making it inacessbile at this time.
Santa Rosa Island
Santa Rosa Island is known for its remote location, secluded beaches and the rare Torrey Pines that call it home - one of the only places these beautiful trees are found in the world.
San Miguel Island
San Miguel Island is known for dramatic landscapes and one of the largest seal and sea lion rookeries in the world. It was once a military bombing range so off-trail hiking is only allowed with a ranger-led permit for safety.
Tips for Visiting the Channel Islands
Here are some helpful tips to know before you visit:
Channel Islands National Park includes five islands located approx. 11 to 70 miles from Ventura County depending which island you visit.
Anacapa Island is the best for a short day trip taking less than an hour to get to, but Santa Cruz Island offers more to do and doesn’t take much longer to reach.
Santa Barbara Island is currently closed to visitors.
Be sure to book ferry tickets in advance as spots are limited and often sell out.
Take Dramamine 1 hour before the ferry departs to avoid seasickness during the crossing especially in winter when seas can be very rough.
5-hours is plenty of time for a day trip to Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands.
All restrooms are vault toilets (non-flushing) and most lack running water. Bring hand sanitizer and toilet paper.
There is no running water on most islands so bring plenty of drinking water.
All 5 islands have campgrounds although some are more primitive than others.
For day trips, plan on carrying belongings with you all day and pack accordingly.
Be sure to bring food, snacks, and drinks. There are no services offered on the islands just picnic tables.
The ferry serves snacks and drinks during the crossing but does not remain at the dock during the day.
Visitors must pack out all trash so bring a small bag for waste.
Weather conditions can change quickly so dress in layers. Mornings are almost always cool and it’s often windy especially on the ferry ride and on exposed cliffs.
Trails are well-marked and very easy to follow on all islands with the exception of San Miguel which can be rugged.
Most trails are exposed with limited shade. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
There is primitive overnight camping on all five Channel Islands though access and facilities vary.
Some campgrounds provide food storage lockers, but facilities vary by island. If camping, bring secure animal-proof containers and plan to store all food and scented items properly.
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Best Things to Do in Channel Islands National Park
Channel Islands National Park is made up of five islands, each offering completely different experiences. Here are things to do broken down by island.
Things to Do on Anacapa Island
Anacapa Island is the closest of the five islands to the California mainland coast making it the perfect island for a shorter half-day trip. Here are some highlights:
Arch Rock - O
ne of the most photographed landmarks at the national park.
Visit Inspiration Point - Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and dramatic cliffs from this incredible viewpoint.
Hike to the Lighthouse
- Take a hike to the iconic lighthouse perched atop the cliff. The view is amazing.
Photo: iStock Andrew Peacock
Bird Watching
- Anacapa Island is known for its large seabird colonies and dramatic cliffside nesting sites.
Things to Do on Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island is the best choice for first-time visitors because of how user friendly it is and how much there is to do. It’s the largest of the islands stretching 24 miles long and 6 miles wide and great for kayaking and scenic hikes.
Kayaking with Santa Barbara Adventures on Santa Cruz Island -
Book a guided ocean kayak tour through Santa Barbara Adventure Company and enjoy a day exploring the island’s sea caves up close and personal.
Hike Santa Cruz Island -
With three mountain ranges covering over 96 square miles, Santa Cruz has incredible hiking. For a day trip, the Cavern Point Loop is a must which can be extended for a longer journey to Potato Harbor. Another great option is Scorpion Loop Trail.
Snorkel at Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island - Scorpion Anchorage offers crystal clear waters and kelp forests full of colorful fish as well as a chance to spot sea lions and other marine life.
Things to Do on Santa Barbara Island (Currently Inaccessible)
Santa Barbara Island is known for its steep cliffs and important seabird nesting colonies. However, the island ferry service has been temporarily suspended due to storm damage to the dock making it inaccessible at this time.
Things to Do on Santa Rosa Island
Santa Rosa is more remote and best enjoyed by experienced hikers and overnight campers.
Beach Walks at Water Canyon
- Windswept stretches of pristine sand framed by rolling dunes and rugged coastal bluffs as well as tidepools to explore.
Lobo Canyon Hike - Hike through across sandstone cliffs with dramatic rock formations, and a seasonal creek.
Things to Do on San Miguel Island
San Miguel is the most remote island and best experienced by camping overnight. It’s known for dramatic landscapes and wildlfie viewing. Because it was once a military bombing range, only guided ranger-led hikes by permit are allowed. Visiting requires more planning than the other islands.
Take a Guided Hike -
Hiking here is unforgettable. The terrain is rugged with sweeping ocean views, coastal bluffs and wildflowers.
Photo: iStock Nailzchap
Elephant Seal Viewing - San Miguel Island is one of the largest seal and sea lion rookeries in the world making it an incredible island for wildlife viewing especially elephant seals.
What to Pack for Channel Islands
Clothing: Bring layers including a wind breaker jacket - the ferry ride and islands get windy
Water and snacks
Motion sickness medication (Dramamine)
Dry bags and a bag for trash
Hiking shoes
Bathing suit or swim trunks
Towel
Reef-safe sunscreen
Sunglasses
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About the Channel Islands
How do you get to Channel Islands National Park?
Getting to Channel Islands is part of the adventure. There are no roads or bridges so visitors must either take the ferry via Island Packers from Ventura or Oxnard, or a private seaplane. The crossing is beautiful and a great chance to spot marine wildlife.
Do you need a reservation to visit Channel Islands?
Reservations are required for the ferry and camping, but you do not need a day use pass or permit to visit the islands.
Is there a fee to visit Channels Islands National Park?
Channel Islands National Park does not charge a park admission fee like other national parks.
What does it cost to take the ferry to the Channel Islands? Are children free?
Round-trip ferry tickets from Ventura Harbor to Santa Cruz Island typically cost $72 for adults (13-54) and $52 for children (3-12). Children under 3 are free. Ferry trips to the more remote islands are slightly more expensive.
Can you visit Channel Islands without camping?
Yes, day trips to the Channel Islands are very common although you are able camp on the islands.
How long does it take to get to Channel Islands?
1–4 hours depending on the island. Anacapa Island is the closest and takes less than an hour, while San Miguel Island is the most remote taking 3-1/2 to 4 hours to cross.
Which Channel Island is best for a day trip?
Santa Cruz Island and Anacapa Island are the most popular and great for day trips. Santa Cruz is the best for first time visitors.
Can you visit multiple islands in one day?
No. The ferry schedules make it impractical if not impossible to visit more than one island in a single day.
When is whale watching season at Channel Islands?
Whale watching around the Channel Islands varies by season. Gray whales are typically seen during their migration from December through April, as they travel between Alaska and Baja. Blue whales are commonly spotted in the summer from June through September, when they feed in the nutrient-rich waters around the islands.
Why is Channel Islands National Park called the “Galápagos of North America”?
The Channel Islands are often called the “Galápagos of North America” because their isolation from the mainland has led to the evolution of many unique, endemic species found nowhere else in the world.
More California Travel Guides
Santa Barbara - The Perfect Itinerary including Channel Islands
Historic Santa Barbara Inn - California Dreaming
Santa Cruz Bucket List - What Not to Miss
The Most Charming Cities in Southern California - Coastal Communities, Mountain Towns & Orchards
